Ahead of today’s NL-West-clash finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the San Diego Padres placed star OF Jackson Merrill on the 7-day concussion IL, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Video from the broadcast showed he injured himself on a slide on a steal attempt.
Jackson Merrill was removed from Saturday’s game after sustaining a head injury while attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning. As he slid in, he was tagged on the front of his helmet by second baseman Ketel Marte, knocking his helmet off and leaving him shaken.
Jackson Merrill injury impact
Jackson Merrill is thriving in his second full MLB season. Through 43 games in 2025, he’s slashing .304/.346/.476 with 5 home runs, 26 RBIs, and 24 runs scored. Advanced metrics underscore his growth: his barrel rate has jumped to 12.9%, and his hard-hit percentage sits at 36.4%, signaling a more aggressive approach at the plate. Defensively, Merrill continues to impress, maintaining a +4 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) at center field. His 12 stolen bases further highlight his dynamic skill set. After a brief stint on the injured list due to a hamstring strain, Merrill returned to action on May 6, quickly regaining his form. His performance has been a key factor in the Padres’ strong start to the season.
The Padres are set to navigate a challenging, if brief, stint without Merrill. During his absence, the team has relied on veteran leadership from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado to maintain offensive production. While Merrill’s absence is significant, the Padres’ depth and resilience have allowed them to remain competitive in the NL West standings.
